Galatians 3:20

Context of Galatians 3:20

Galatians 3:20 is a concise and often-debated verse within Paul's fervent argument concerning the relationship between God's promise to Abraham and the Mosaic Law. In this chapter, Paul is contrasting the unconditional promise of salvation given to Abraham by God (Galatians 3:16) with the Law, which came 430 years later. Paul has just stated that the Law was "ordained by angels in the hand of a mediator" (Galatians 3:19). Verse 20 serves to elaborate on the nature of this mediation, underscoring that a mediator implies two parties, whereas God, who gave the promise, is one and acts unilaterally.

Key Themes

• The Nature of a Mediator: A mediator (Greek: mesitēs) is someone who stands between two distinct parties to facilitate an agreement, reconcile, or convey terms. In the context of the Law, Moses served as this mediator, standing between God and the people of Israel when the covenant was given at Mount Sinai (Exodus 20:19). This implies a bilateral agreement, where both sides have conditions and obligations.
• God's Unity and Singularity: The profound declaration "God is one" (Greek: heis) echoes the foundational truth of monotheism, famously articulated in the Shema from Deuteronomy 6:4. This emphasizes God's unchanging nature, His absolute sovereignty, and the singular source of His unconditional promise to Abraham. Unlike a mediated covenant, which involves two parties, God's promise was a unilateral act of His grace.
• Promise vs. Law: Paul uses this distinction to highlight the superiority and foundational nature of the Abrahamic promise. The promise was a direct, unconditional gift from a singular God, depending solely on His faithfulness. The Law, however, involved mediation and implied conditions between God and Israel, signifying a different kind of divine interaction. Paul's argument is that something given directly by a unified God (the promise) is foundational and unalterable by something that requires mediation (the Law).

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word for "mediator" is mesitēs (μεσίτης), which precisely means "one who stands in the middle," often for reconciliation or negotiation. In the context of the Law, Moses fulfilled this role. The phrase "God is one" uses the Greek word heis (εἷς), emphasizing singularity and unity. This linguistic choice underscores that God's promise to Abraham was a direct, singular, and unconditional act of His divine will, not contingent on human performance or a two-sided agreement.

Practical Application

Galatians 3:20 offers profound reassurance regarding the reliability of God's promises. Because "God is one"—unchanging, singular in purpose, and unified in His character—His foundational promises, particularly those concerning salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, are utterly secure. They depend entirely on His faithfulness, not on our ability to perfectly keep a mediated law.

This verse helps us understand the distinct roles of the Law and grace in God's overarching plan for humanity. While the Law served to reveal sin and guide the people of Israel, salvation has always been, and remains, a gift received through faith in God's direct, unilateral promise (Ephesians 2:8). Our ultimate relationship with God is direct and personal through Christ, not reliant on human performance or complex legal codes.